A tragic incident occurred on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, as a 200-level student from the Federal University, Otuoke, drowned while attempting to swim across the Ekoli Creek over a ₦300 bet. The victim, a Chemical Engineering undergraduate, had challenged his friends that he could successfully cross the creek. However, during the attempt, he submerged mid-swim and never resurfaced.
Eyewitnesses reported that the student was in high spirits before entering the water. However, panic ensued when he struggled midway, failed to reach the other side, and disappeared beneath the surface. Bystanders and friends immediately raised the alarm, but despite frantic rescue efforts, the student remained missing. As of now, his body has yet to be recovered.
The tragic event has left the university community and residents of the area in shock. One of his classmates, who spoke under anonymity, described him as a lively and adventurous individual. “He was always full of energy. No one expected such a fun challenge to turn into a disaster,” the student lamented.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid such dangerous stunts and warned about the risks associated with swimming in unregulated waters.
“We strongly advise young people to refrain from engaging in life-threatening activities, especially in water bodies with unknown depths and strong currents,” a spokesperson from the Bayelsa State Police Command said.
The university management has also expressed deep sorrow over the incident and has assured that they will work closely with the authorities to ensure safety awareness among students.
This is not the first drowning incident involving students in Bayelsa State. In April 2023, a 200-level student from the Mathematics and Statistics Education Department of the same university drowned in a swimming pool at a popular event center in Otuoke. Similarly, in December 2024, a young boy lost his life in the swimming pool of the Aridolf Hotel in Yenagoa while celebrating Christmas with friends. These incidents have raised concerns over the increasing rate of drowning cases in the state, particularly among young people.
Experts emphasize the need for increased safety measures and education on swimming hazards. According to water safety expert John Ebi, many drowning cases could be avoided if individuals were better informed about water safety and rescue procedures.
“Most people underestimate the power of water and overestimate their swimming abilities. Awareness campaigns and the provision of proper swimming facilities could help curb these avoidable deaths,” Ebi stated.
The Bayelsa State government has been urged to implement stricter regulations to ensure that areas near water bodies are better supervised. Many believe that if proper safety measures were enforced, lives could be saved. Meanwhile, students and residents have been advised to prioritize personal safety over peer pressure and reckless challenges.
As the search for the student’s body continues, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of risky behavior near water. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any sightings that could help in the ongoing recovery efforts. The Federal University, Otuoke, has pledged to support the victim’s family and ensure that such incidents do not recur among its student population.